The event was collaborating with the American Valor Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by the Chris Kyle family.
Waco, Texas – Waco Art Studios transformed the canvas into a community impact on April 8th during a special fundraiser to honor the life and heritage of US Navy Seal Sniper Chris Kyle.
The Waco twisted painting hosted the event in collaboration with the American Valor Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Kyle’s family. The event will be donating a portion of the proceeds to local charities through the “Purpose Painting” initiative, which will be the 10th year of its partnership with the studio and the organization.
Kyle, known as the “American Sniper,” is considered one of the deadliest snipers in US military history, with over 160 confirmed killings admitted during his service. He was deployed four times to Iraq and was awarded some accolades for courage. Kyle was fatally shot in 2013 at a shooting range in Texas, just three years after leaving the military. He would have turned 50 on April 8th.
His younger brother Jeff Kyle and his family attended the event and expressed their appreciation for their continued community support.
“Amazing,” Jeff Kyle said. “The twisted drawings have supported us from the beginning. My wife and I actually painted this design 10 years ago, so it’s pretty cool to come back, try again and see people still appearing.”
Participants recreated the painting entitled Amber Waves of Grain.
“That guy bleed red, white, blue,” Jeff said of his brother. “He had the meaning of a flag. We grew up to understand that, and this painting really embodies him.”
Ken Castello, owner of Painting with Twas Waco, said the fundraiser was particularly meaningful as it was the first time the event had coincident with Kyle’s actual birthday.
“This is my 10th year with the American Foundation for Courage and this is the first time I’ve been able to do it for Chris’ birthday,” Castello said. “That’s really special.”
The Foundation supports veterans, first responders, and their families through a variety of events and outreach. Castello and his team also offer free quarterly painting classes for local veterans as a form of stress relief and community connection.
“It’s very important to support veterans,” Castello said. “This is another opportunity for people to become part of what’s really important.”
Many people at the event either had connections with the foundation or in some way connected with the veteran community.
Chris Kyle’s motto, “It is our duty to serve those who serve us,” was seen around the studio.
For more information about paintings in the objective program, please see this link.
